Carpet Care and Maintenance

A regular maintenance program extends the life of the original appearance of your carpet. Today’s carpet fibers are designed to hide dirt and reflect light, and they have the ability to resist soiling and stains. However, the lack of apparent soiling does not eliminate the necessity of regular cleaning.† Give your carpet the normal protection from direct sunlight that you would give to any colored fabric. Carpet should also be protected from direct sunlight to avoid color loss.

You will need to vacuum your heavy traffic areas, such as hallways, stairs, and exterior entryways at least twice a week. Vacuum less heavily used areas weekly. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with an adjustable beater bar or rotating brush and with a strong enough airflow to penetrate to the carpet backing.

Carpet with thick loop pile construction, particularly wool and wool-blend styles, may be sensitive to brushing or rubbing of the pile surface and may become fuzzy. For these products, and those styles with a combination of thick or thin or cable yarn, a suction-only vacuum or a vacuum with an adjustable brush lifted away from the carpet is recommended so it does not agitate the pile. A vacuum with an adjustable beater bar or rotating brush can be tested for excessive fuzzing in an inconspicuous location before regular use. Be aware of vacuums that have aggressive action which may damage the surface of your carpet.

Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® does not recommend a vacuum brand. There are brands that offer adjustable beater bars or even a feature to turn the beater bar off in some cases. The Carpet and Rug Institute (www.carpet-rug.org) offers information and ratings of vacuums.

Most dry soil has razor-like edges that abrade carpet fibers, causing light to reflect differently and give carpet a dull appearance. Soil can damage the fibers permanently if allowed to remain in the pile.

No matter how often you vacuum, your carpet will still need heavy-duty cleaning from time to time. Professional cleaning is required to maintain your Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® warranty (unless there is heavier usage, in which case your carpet will have to be cleaned at closer intervals). We would be glad to advise you about which cleaning method is best for your particular carpet. Hot water extraction, either alone or in combination with cleaning, is required to maintain most warranties. Some styles, however, must be cleaned in other ways. Be sure to check with your Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® retailer for the recommended cleaning method for your particular carpet. It is required that a trained professional perform this service at least every 12-18 months to refresh the texture and rejuvenate the fibers in your carpet.†*Have the cleaning professionals come to your home for a visual inspection and obtain a written agreement before the work is started. You must retain your receipts for proof of maintenance service should a warranty claim arise. You can keep track of your carpet care and cleaning maintenance using the Cleaning Log on page 37.

† Courtesy of the Carpet and Rug Institute, Copyright 2015.

* The warranty requirement for hot water extraction of all Stainmaster carpet is once every 18 months.

When you and your cleaning professional choose a cleaning method, fiber content is the most important concern. Most carpet today is constructed with synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, triexta, or olefin and may be cleaned with most cleaning methods. Do not apply stain-repellent treatments which contain silicone, as they are unnecessary and tend to accelerate soiling on carpets. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk, and sisal may require specialized care. Use a cleaning method recommended by the carpet manufacturer to maintain their warranty. If you should have any questions or concerns about your new carpet, just call your Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® retailer.

Vacuum Care Instructions

Extraordinarily soft carpets represent the latest in advanced extrusion technology. Because the fibers are so fine and dense, increased suction from a vacuum cleaner is created at the point of contact on the carpet surface. Therefore, in order to provide maximum care, vacuums with specific features may be necessary to use for optimum maintenance of your extraordinarily soft carpet. The following vacuum cleaner characteristics are suitable for your exceptionally soft carpets:

Adjustable Height

A manual height adjustment feature is imperative, as it allows the user to accurately set the height of the brushing action to the proper level for better cleaning and mobility.

Wide Wheel Size

Larger wheels will help the vacuum head from sinking into the carpet pile. They also improve the effectiveness of the depth-setting feature.

Lighter Weight Models

Weighing less, these vacuums will exert less weight while in use, will not sink as deeply into the carpet pile, and will be easier to move.

Adjustable Motor Speed

The flexibility of adjustable motors often times lowers the brush roll rotation speed and allows easier operation and gentler cleaning.

Optional Brush Roll Control

For ultra-high pile carpets, it may be necessary to disengage the roller, as longer fibers may entangle in the brush roll and cause damage to the tips of the fibers.

Carpet Spot Removal Procedures

In between professional cleanings you may have to spot clean your carpet. If you have a spill or spot, you must act quickly to minimize staining. The longer the delay the greater the possibility that the stain will become permanent. Complete removal of spills or spots may require a single solution applied repeatedly or the use of a combination of solutions. Follow these simple guidelines in sequence.**

Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels. Do not scrub the area! Continue to blot until the area is completely dry. Gently scrape up semi-solids with a rounded spoon and vacuum. Do not add moisture.

Locate the spill on the spot removal chart on page 9, select the first spot removal solution recommended and follow the spot removal methods listed on page 8.***

Pretest any spot removal solution in an inconspicuous area to make certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds.

Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs another cleaning solution should be selected.

Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth and work in gently. Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing as much as possible, repeat if necessary. Do not saturate the area, as this may cause the spill to penetrate into the backing.

Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill.

Rinse the affected area thoroughly with water after the spill has been removed. Blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed.

Place a 1/2-inch layer of white paper towels over the affected area to absorb all the moisture, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object.†

** Carpet made of natural fibers requires special care. See methods specifically recommended for those carpets.

*** For an extensive list, please reference the CRI website at www.carpet-rug.org. † Courtesy of the Carpet and Rug Institute, Copyright 2006.

Carpet Spot Removal Solutions

We recommend the following solutions for removal of spots and stains. If you have these on hand, you will be able to handle most common spills. Always use solutions in the concentrations recommended. See the chart on page 9 to find the best solution for your stain. For assistance in choosing the correct solution, call your Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® retailer and ask which is best for your particular type of carpet.

DETERGENT SOLUTION:

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of a clear, non-bleach, non-lanolin, non-optical brightening dishwashing liquid per one cup of warm water. Allow the detergent to remain on the stain for eight to ten minutes. It may be necessary to rinse with water several times to completely remove residues. Never use an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that may destroy the carpet color and damage fibers. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (fluorescent dyes) that discolor the fiber.

DRY POWDER CLEANER:

Use powdered carpet cleaners such as Resista® Floor Care Cleaner or comparable product.

DRY CLEANING FLUID:

Use caution when using a dry cleaning fluid. A non-flammable spot removal solution is preferred. Transfer solution to the spot with a damp towel – do not apply directly to the spot since direct contact may destroy the backing.

NAIL POLISH REMOVER:

Two types of nail polish removers are available. One type contains acetone, a dry cleaning solvent. Use the same precautions as with other dry cleaning solutions. The second type contains amyl acetate, which is used in many paint, oil, and grease removers. Amyl acetate nail polish remover leaves residue that may cause rapid soiling. When using, always rinse the area thoroughly with a dry solvent, such as rubbing alcohol. Consult your warranty before using either of these products.

Confidence Warranty

All of our star rated floors carry a 30-day Confidence Warranty. If at any time during the first 30 days after your carpet is installed you wish to change your new carpet for any reason (other than as expressly provided below), present your sales receipt and the store where you made your purchase will replace it with another style or color of carpet of equal value. Should you wish to replace the carpet with an upgrade, you may do so by paying the difference in price. Any increase in cost due to industry price increases will be the customer’s responsibility. No monetary compensation will be paid if a floor of lower price is selected. This is a one-time replacement only and does not include replacement of cushion or reinstallation charges. This is a replacement warranty and does not apply to matters covered by other warranties. Any replacement carpet cannot be the same style and color as the original purchase. Replacement quantity must be the same as the original purchase. This warranty is valid only for original owner-occupied residential installations. No replacements will be made with respect to carpet that has been glued down, subject to abuse, vandalism, alteration or damage caused by smoke, fire, flood, wind, lightning, or any disaster. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of flooring that has been professionally installed by your retailer. Customer is responsible for all labor and reinstallation charges of all materials, including, but not limited to, flooring, walls, and countertops.

(See General Terms and Conditions on pages 25-26 for other conditions that apply.)

Confidence Plus® Warranty

If you don’t love your new floor, we’ll replace it. We’ll even pay for labor on Four-Star and Five-Star rated floors.

All Five-Star and Four-Star residential carpets carry a Confidence Plus® Warranty. If, within the time frame of this warranty (90 days after installation for Five-Star carpet; 60 days after installation for Four-Star carpet) and after 30 days of living on your new floor, you wish to change your carpet for any reason, your retailer will replace it with another style or color of equal value. Should you wish to replace the carpet with an upgrade, you may do so by paying the difference in price. Any increase in cost due to industry price increases will be the customer’s responsibility. No monetary compensation will be paid if a lower priced carpet is selected.

This is a one-time only replacement. Simply call your Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® retailer within the time frame of the warranty and indicate you wish to choose another Star Rated carpet under the Confidence Plus® Warranty. This is a style and color replacement warranty and does not apply to matters covered by other warranties. Replacement includes material and labor. Labor to move furniture, permanent construction (built-ins such as cabinets and bookcases), equipment, or electronics is the responsibility of the customer. Any replacement carpet cannot be the same style and color as the original purchase.

No replacement will be made with respect to carpet that has been glued down, subjected to abuse, improper maintenance, vandalism, alteration; or damage caused by smoke, fire, flood, wind, lightning, or any other casualty event. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of a Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® style carpet that has been professionally installed by a Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® retailer or Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® authorized independent installer.

NOTE: Custom installations of any carpet installed with inserts or a border are excluded from the Confidence Plus® Warranty. No replacement of either the carpet, inserts, or border are covered under this warranty.

(See General Terms and Conditions on pages 25-26 for other conditions that apply.)

Price Protection Guarantee

Our buying power allows us to buy big and pass volume-purchase savings directly on to you. We feel confident that our prices are the most competitive in the market and assure you that you will not find a lower price at any other floor covering retailer in your area. However, if within 30 days of making your purchase, you should happen to find a lower Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® first quality product of the same brand and styles as the flooring you purchased, we will happily refund your money. It’s our Price Protection Guarantee, and it’s simple. Just present your retailer with the competitor’s advertisement or written estimate for the same floor, and you take home the difference in price! Price Protection applies to materials only.

Lifetime Installation Warranty

Your Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® retailer guarantees the quality of workmanship to be professional and in keeping with the standards set by the carpet industry. Should installation service attributable to the original installation be required during the life of your floor, your Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® retailer will provide that service at no cost to you. “Life of Carpet” means the length of the Limited Wear Warranty specified by the warranty level corresponding to the carpet you purchased. See the Warranty Information on page 13 for further details.

This warranty is valid only for original owner-occupied residential installations performed by a Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® retailer or Flooring America®/Flooring Canada® authorized independent installer and will be invalid if the carpet condition is due to improper maintenance or cleaning, abuse, excessive moisture, vandalism, alteration; or damage caused by smoke, fire, flood, wind, lightning, or any other casualty event.

Please note that in most installations seams are necessary. Our installers are trained to minimize seams; however, seams are inevitable and will not be invisible. This is quite normal, should be expected, and is not considered a defect under this Limited Installation Warranty.

(See General Terms and Conditions on pages 25-26 for other conditions that apply.)